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1 April 2025
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This might come as a shock to some, but there is a serious question whether a defined contribution (DC) system like ours is fit for purpose in retirement. That was the fundamental conclusion that motivated the Financial System Inquiry (FSI) recommendation for Comprehensive Income Products for Retirement (CIPRs).
Episode 3 focusses on the small cap rally, how to recognise good startups, Bitcoin, retirement spending, tourism, a new product misrepresenting its features and a Chris Cuffe classic from our archives.
We need different tools to measure success in the retirement phase, as many people become dependent on the cash flow from their super fund. The defined contribution system has failed to keep pace with retirees' needs.
Asia's GDP exceeds North America and Europe combined, and its increasing economic power should be embraced by Australia as we become more a Eurasian society. Are we enlightened enough to grab the opportunities?
Read in their simplest form, it's surprising what rights people give up when they sign into any of the social media sites, and this year's Boyer Lectures highlight where society and social media are headed.
The longer the holding period, the lesser the variation of actual returns from expected ones. Using this principle should allow construction of actively-managed portfolios that outperform passive portfolios.
The Australian banks are on firm ground with strong capital ratios, few bad loan problems and sustainable dividends, but lower demand for credit, tighter margins and the bank levy give no room for complacency.
The major global bond index currently offers a yield of only 1.6% at a time when a rising rate cycle may be starting. There are better risk-return opportunities elsewhere.
This time last year, I highlighted 16 ASX stocks that investors could own indefinitely. One year on, I look at whether there should be any changes to the list of stocks as well as which companies are worth buying now.
The CIO of Australia’s fourth largest super fund by assets, John Pearce, suggests the odds favour a flat year for markets, with the possibility of a correction of 10% or more. However, he’ll use any dip as a buying opportunity.
The ABS recently released figures which are used to determine key superannuation rates and thresholds that will apply from 1 July 2025. This outlines the rates and thresholds that are changing and those that aren’t.
With the arrival of the new year, the first members of ‘Generation X’ turned 60, marking the start of the MTV generation’s collective journey towards retirement. Are Gen Xers and our retirement system ready for the transition?
The intergenerational wealth transfer, largely driven by a housing boom, exacerbates economic inequality, stifles productivity, and impedes social mobility. Solutions lie in addressing the housing problem, not taxing wealth.
Warren Buffett's annual shareholder letter has been fixture for avid investors for decades. In his latest letter, Buffett is reticent on many key topics, but his actions rather than words are sending clear signals to investors.